Pahalgam attack: NIA gets 45-day extension for probe

JAMMU: The special NIA court in Jammu has granted a 45-day extension to the probe agency to complete its probe into the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that had left 26 people dead, most of them tourists.

Additional sessions judge Sandeep Gandotra passed the order on Friday after public prosecutor (PP) Chandan Kumar Singh, appearing for NIA, told the court that the investigation was at a “crucial and sensitive stage” as key forensic and electronic reports were still awaited.

The agency also sought an extension of judicial remand of two Anantnag residents, Bashir Ahmad Jothatd and Parvaiz Ahmad, who were arrested on June 22 and are currently lodged in the district jail in Jammu. The plea was also granted.

The agency argued that the accused must be confronted with the forensic findings before the charge sheet is filed.

Defence counsel Ashwani Kumar argued that the NIA had already been given sufficient time but had failed to establish any direct evidence against the accused.

After hearing both sides, the court observed that the investigation was being carried out in a proper and professional manner and that the complexity and sensitivity of the evidence justified an extension under Section 43-D(2)(b) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.